Pompeii Forum

About Pompeii Forum

One of the must-visit places in Pompeii is The Forum, which was the hub of the civic, commercial, and religious activities of this ancient city. The Pompeii Forum is shaped like most other Roman forums and is a large open space with an oblong shape, measuring 157 meters by 38 meters. It is surrounded by a thriving market and many beautiful temples, along with the administrative quarters and legal offices of the city.

Initially located strategically at the heart of the town, the Forum of Pompeii provided a captivating sight of Mount Vesuvius. As the town grew, the Forum found itself on the outskirts, yet it retained its popularity among the citizens. Even in modern times, the magnificent aura and influence of this ancient urban centre are still palpable through the ruins of Foro de Pompeya, drawing countless visitors from around the world to the city.

Why Visit the Forum at Pompeii?

  • Learn about the everyday life of the people of the ancient city of Pompeii.


  • Explore one of Ancient Rome’s major centres for religious and political activities.


  • Experience the influence of the fashion, culture, and politics of the ancient era on the Pompeii Forum buildings.


  • Enjoy the beauty of the ancient ruins and the millennia-old artwork.



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Things to See at Pompeii Forum

Temple of Jupiter and Arch of Germanicus

Explore the captivating Temple of Jupiter in Pompeii, situated on an elevated platform along the northern perimeter of the Forum. Erected in 150 BC, this temple holds historical significance for supplanting Apollo's worship with that of the Roman deity Jupiter. Adjacent to the temple, the Arch of Germanicus stands sentinel on the left, effectively framing and enclosing the Forum's expanse.


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Triumphal Arch of the Pompeii Forum

Situated on the right flank of the Pompeii Forum, the Triumphal Arch holds its place as a captivating architectural feature thought to be a homage to Emperor Tiberius. This remarkable creation beckons visitors to witness its splendor, nestled in close proximity to structures meticulously crafted to venerate the imperial cult. Crafted as a dual-arched fornix of distinction, the arch was originally adorned with a veneer of opulent marble, reflecting the grandeur of its time.


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Temple of Apollo

Situated on the western fringes of the Pompeii Forum, the Temple of Apollo stood as a tribute to a pantheon of deities, its construction ingeniously incorporating remnants of Etruscan origins. Delve into the annals of this temple's history, marked by adversity. In 62 AD, the temple endured significant devastation due to an earthquake, only to be resiliently resurrected shortly before the catastrophic obliteration of Pompeii in 79 AD.


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Pompeii Basilica

Within the Pompeii Forum, a remarkable structure emerged in the form of the Pompeii Basilica, touted as possibly the inaugural basilica of its nature within the Roman Empire. This architectural marvel, spanning an impressive 24 meters by 64 meters, held its primary role as a bustling marketplace. As time progressed, a transformation ensued, leading the basilica to transition into a paramount epicenter for civil and political proceedings, notably serving as a city court during the 1st century AD.


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Temple of the Lares Publici

Built after 62 AD, the Temple of Lares was dedicated to the sanctified Emperor Octavian Augustus. It was also used as a sanctuary for state Lares, the statues of ancient Roman Gods, patrons of families, and the city itself. The temple featured an open area with sacrificial altars in the center.


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Municipal Offices

The three small buildings located in the southern part of the Pompeii Forum are known as the Municipal Offices. They all share a similar layout and are believed to have been the meeting place of the administrative officials of the city. The buildings were constructed after the earthquake of 62 AD.


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Macellum

Constructed in the 1st century BC, Macellum was the main food market of Pompeii and its neighboring villages. It was designed in a rectangular shape and measured 37 meters by 27 meters. You will get to see this open-air market that once featured several small shops, and a shrine dedicated to the Imperial family at one end.


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Comitium

The open-air hall was located opposite the Basilica and served as a meeting point for the city’s magistrates. It also functioned as a polling station for the election of important officers for public offices.Stroll through this place where the two Duumvir, who controlled the town also made their decisions about the city.

Temple of Vespasian

Located on the eastern side of the Forum at Pompeii, the temple was originally dedicated to the Genius Octavian Augustus. It was in the later years that the dedication was finally transferred to Vespasian. You can see here a marble altar in the center with a man leading a bull to sacrifice.

Building of Eumachia

Named after Eumachia, the rich and influential priestess, the building served as a market and a warehouse for fabrics. Eumachia donated all her money in the 1st century AD for the construction of the building. Be amazed with the beauty of this structure which was made of bricks that were layered with marble slabs to create the building’s skin.

Granary

Located on the northwest side of the Forum, the Granary, easily recognizable by its modern roof, was a warehouse. It was used for storing grains to overcome food shortages due to crop failure or natural disasters. Today, the Granary stores the various artifacts recovered during the archeological excavations across the city.


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Public weights and measures table

This is the site of the government agency that adhered to the exact standard of the various units of measurement used in Roman Europe. All the traders in the city were required to pass the examination of the institution for trading. This safeguarded the citizens against any fraud done by the traders.

Plan Your Visit To Pompeii

Timing
Best Time To Visit
Facilities
How to Reach
Tips to Visit

The Forum at Pompeii is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday, the timings are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.


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The best time to visit the Forum is during the off-season months from November to March as the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy the trip. During the summer months, the weather is too hot and the place is extremely crowded so it is advisable to plan an early morning trip.


Visitors can store large pieces of their luggage at the various storage facilities within the city. Most paths in and around Pompeii Forum have been modified to make them accessible by wheelchair. The city also houses several public washrooms, ATMs, and bookshops along with a good number of decent restaurants and cafes.

  • Train: Train travel is the easiest and most hassle-free way to reach Pompeii from Naples. Deboard the train at Pompei Scavi station, which is a mere 50 meters away from the entrance to the city.

  • Bus: People, who prefer to travel by bus, can take the SITA local bus service to Pompeii, which runs every half hour, from the Nouva Marina port in Naples.

  • Visiting the Foro de Pompey requires considerable walking over uneven surfaces which is why it is important to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

  • People visiting Pompeii in the hot summer months should carry ample sunscreen and a bottle of water that can be refilled.

  • It is advisable to book Pompeii tour tickets online and in advance as the site only accepts online bookings currently.

  • Be ready to spend at least 1-2 hours at the Pompeii Forum to enjoy every attraction that the site has to offer.

  • Take time to visit Mt Vesuvius to enjoy the view of the site from an entirely different perspective.

FAQs

Where is the Forum located?

The Pompeii Forum is located in the center of the ancient city of Pompeii. It is only a short distance away from the Bay of Naples. The address of this place is Via Villa dei Misteri, 2, 80045 Pompei NA, Italy.

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What was the Forum used for in Pompeii?

The Forum was a hub of religious, economic, cultural, and political activities in the ancient city of Pompeii. It featured several buildings that played an important role in the daily lives of the residents of the city. These included several temples, legal offices, and local administrative buildings.

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When was the Forum in Pompeii built?

The Foro de Pompey was built in the 4th century BCE as a thriving marketplace and a center of trade, culture, politics, and religion. It covered a large open area measuring 157meters by 38 meters and offered a great view of Mount Vesuvius.

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What can I see in the Pompeii Forum?

The Forum Pompeii is home to several famous buildings and temples which visitors can enjoy exploring. Some of the must-visit attractions of the site include the Temple Of Jupiter, the Temple of Apollo, the Pompeii Basilica, Macellum, Granary, and the Public weights and measures table.

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How to get to the Forum in Pompeii?

Visitors can take the train or bus from Naples to Pompeii and then explore the site on foot. They can also drive to the ancient city and then walk to the Forum located in the heart of the city.

What are the opening hours of the Pompeii Forum?

The Forum Pompeii is open on all days of the year with visitor timings of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday and 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

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What is the best way to explore the Forum?

The best way to explore the Forum Pompeii is on foot and by using Pompeii-guided tours which offer the benefit of priority access and to and fro transportation.

When is the best time to visit the Forum?

The best time to visit the Forum is during the off-season months from November to March as the weather is quite pleasant. To avoid the heat during the summer months, visitors should book early morning trips to the site.

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